"You were always a pal and full of pluck," he said. "When I was up old Giles' apple tree and he came out with his dog, Jim bolted like a rabbit, but you stayed behind like a brick and waited for me."
"Yes, I remember, my knees were knocking together with fright."
"Oh, you crammer, you threw an apple at the dog."
Bessie laughed. "Old Giles was a good sort. He knew who we were right enough, but he never told father."
Talking thus they strolled on till they came out on the trimmed laurels and well-kept lawn that surrounded Lady Cleeve's house. Jack stopped. "I expect the footman will come out and ask impertinent questions if we go over the lawn, won't he?"
"Oh, no! he knows me very well."
Still they stopped for some time admiring the house and the well-kept grounds. It was just getting dusk and lights were already beginning to appear in some of the windows of the big old house. "I should like to own a place like this some day," Jack said. He stepped on to the lawn. "By Jove! these lawns are grand, aren't they? Do you remember that time I was on holidays from Cheltenham, when they gave a sort of tea fight to the whole village? And the yokels were playing kiss-in-ring on the lawn?"
Bessie coloured a good red and looked down at the smooth carpet-like grass, poking aimlessly with the point of her umbrella. They were fairly close to the house. Suddenly one of the near windows sprang into a glare of light, showing up everything within with great distinctness. A female servant, in cap and apron, was lighting the gas. Her profile showed clear and distinct against the light.
"Oh! there's that new maid who's just come to the Hall. Don't you think she's remarkably handsome, Jack?"
Carstairs looked up, the girl in the room turned, so that the light was full on her face, and every feature was distinct: the blood seemed to bound in his veins, he was astonished at the thrill he felt.